Tomorrow morning, I am preaching from Isaiah 30:15-18 at Crossway Church in Santa Ana, CA. I’ve spent quite a bit of time reflecting on this passage over the last week at The Journey. Whenever I am preaching, I work on reading it for myself before I preach it to others. As an example, here is my personalized version of the passage. (“Personalized” is not a paraphrase, but more of a prayed passage, listening for how God might apply it to me). Why not read it for yourself before you read on?
“Listen to what King God, your Holy God, says to you: ‘You would find the rescue and deliverance you need if you would turn to Me and rest there. You would find strength and courage when you learn to stay with Me in quiet trust. But you weren’t buying it. Your strategy was to run from your troubles. I’m not stopping you. And when your troubles are still there, you try running harder. You never outrun your troubles. Instead, running only multiplies fear. Fear feels bigger when run from rather than faced. More horsepower as a strategy just ends up leaving you isolated and vulnerable. I won’t chase you down to show My grace. Stop. Turn towards me. Rest in me without excuses, promises or resolutions. I care deeply for your hurts and fears. I will always treat you fairly and well. The good life you’re hungry for is here with Me…in Me. Wait for Me and My initiative in those places you feel threatened and weak. You’ll find the favor you deeply need.”
